On Friday, Hail Varsity was at Free State High School in Lawrence, Kansas, to see the No. 2 team in Kansas' Class 6A take on Olathe South. The Firebirds feature Huskers 2020 4-star OT target Turner Corcoran. Free State raced out to a 41-7 lead at halftime and never looked back.
The final score ended up 54-13 with Free State taking the victory. The also pulled their starters late in the third quarter. Free State moved to 6-0 on the season.
Here are five thoughts on the game.
Keep an eye on Malik Berry
The Free State quarterback/linebacker had multiple rushing and passing touchdowns on the evening. He also showed his athleticism and toughness on defense where he was all over the field for the Firebirds. He’s got great size too, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds.
Free State is loaded
There are a couple of headliners on the team but Free State is the No. 2 team in Kansas 6A for a reason. They have a bevy of playmakers that showed their skills on Friday night. They have to be a strong contender to make a run deep in the state playoffs.
Turner is a mauler
Sometimes you’ll see offensive linemen that are bigger and stronger than their opponents so they just push them out of the way and are done. Not Corcoran. Once he gets his hands on a defender it’s hard for them to shake him loose. He looks to finish blocks every time or find someone else to hit.
Apologies for missing the actual TD but check out #74 Turner Corcoran (@turnercorcoran) at LT. Folded the kid on the pass block. Big #Huskers target for a reason. pic.twitter.com/nlJ0WcPPlB
— Greg Smith (@GregSmithHV) October 6, 2018
Off the charts intangibles
Corcoran is a leader on his football team. He was constantly encouraging his teammates, pumping up the crowd and even joined the defensive huddle during a timeout to stay engaged. Those types of intangible qualities are hard to measure but when you spot them, they jump out.
Kansas State getting a good one in Garber
Senior athlete Kennan Garber is committed to play at Kansas State next season and it’s easy to see why. He’s a shifty player in the open field with the ball in his hands. Garber is also physical on defense. It will be interesting to keep tabs on him with the Wildcats.